The Defendant

Scripture: Luke 12:57-59 (see fuller version in Luke 12:54-59; Matthew 5:25f.)


57 "And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper."



Meditation: A number of Jesus' parables deal with crises and impending judgment. What's the point of the parable of the defendant? When you see trouble ahead, foresight can help you avert the worst! If you were up against a bad cause and were likely to get severely penalized, would you not try to settle the case out-of-court to avoid a worse penalty? This parable points to the urgency of getting right with God. Each of us stands in constant need of God's love and mercy. His light reveals what is in our hearts and his grace frees us from the tyranny of sin. God's call is urgent and his grace is available for complete transformation in Christ. Are you ready for his grace and action in your life?



"Lord, change my heart and my life that I may fully live for you. Help me to choose what is right and to turn away from every sin and from every attachment to worldliness which keeps me from loving and serving you wholeheartedly."